An Overview of Dental X-rays

X-rays are a type of waves that can enter solid objects. After entering an object ---they are either absorbed or pass through it. Denser objects have a tendency to absorb X-rays whereas they pass easily through less dense objects. The density of teeth and bone is very high, thus they absorb X-rays, but the X-rays pass easily through gums and cheeks. Hence cheeks and gums appear dark on a dental X-ray, but teeth and bone form a white shadow.

X-rays and Intraoral Pictures

What Are X-rays?

X-rays are a type of energy which travels in waves. It can enter solid objects. After entering an object they are either absorbed or to pass through it. Denser objects have a tendency to absorb X-rays whereas they pass easily through less dense objects. The density of teeth and bone is very high, thus they absorb X-rays, but the X-rays pass easily through gums and cheeks. Hence cheeks and gums appear dark on a dental X-ray, but teeth and bone form a white shadow. Physicist Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-rays, a form of energy which travels in waves. He named the rays " X," as it is the mathematical symbol for anything that is unknown.

What does an oral X-ray show?

A dental radiograph in an adult shows;

Areas of decay that may not be seen on visual examination.

Decay or caries underneath a filling in tooth

Cracks or other damage in the present filling

Bone loss in a person with periodontal (gum) disease

Troubles in root canal, such as infection or death of the nerve

Problems such as cysts, cancer and changes present in metabolic and systemic diseases (such as Paget's disease and lymphoma)

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